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Will Gonzaga continue their dominance in the West Coast Conference, or will San Francisco pull off a surprise victory? This highly anticipated matchup is not just any game; it’s a crucial clash that will determine playoff positioning as Gonzaga takes on San Francisco in their final regular-season game.
When and Where
The showdown is set for Saturday, March 1 at 8 PM, at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Fans can catch the excitement live on ESPN.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner of this game will clinch the second seed in the upcoming Credit Union 1 West Coast Conference Championships, earning a bye to the semifinals on March 10. With both teams currently standing at 13-4 in WCC play, every possession will count.
Gonzaga Bulldogs: A Season of Records
Gonzaga enters this matchup with a 22-8 overall record after a dominant 95-76 victory against Santa Clara. The team has shown remarkable performance metrics, shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field and recording 22 assists in that game. The star of the show, Andrew Nembhard, not only led the team with 24 points but also became the 51st player in NCAA Division 1 history to surpass 800 career assists.
Gonzaga is not just about individual talent; as a team, they lead the nation in assists per game with 19.8 and have an assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.05. With a scoring average of 87.4 points per game, they rank second nationwide, making them a formidable opponent.
San Francisco Dons: On a Winning Streak
San Francisco, boasting a record of 23-7, is riding high with three consecutive wins, including a nail-biting 74-72 victory over Oregon State. The Dons’ Marcus Williams has been a standout, averaging 21 points in that game and shooting 62.5% from three-point range. With Malik Thomas leading the WCC in scoring at 19.3 points per game, the Dons are not short on firepower.
Moreover, San Francisco ranks second in the nation in three-point defense, allowing only 27.4% from behind the arc, which will be crucial against Gonzaga’s high-paced offense.
Historical Context
This matchup will mark the 98th meeting between Gonzaga and San Francisco, with Gonzaga holding a commanding 75-22 advantage. The Bulldogs have dominated the Dons with a 31-game winning streak against them. The last time San Francisco triumphed over Gonzaga was almost a decade ago in 2012.
Next Steps for Both Teams
Following this pivotal game, both teams will head to Las Vegas for the West Coast Conference Championships. Gonzaga has a storied history in this tournament, going 66-17 overall, with 21 titles to their name. They’ll be looking to secure their place among the top seeds once again.
As fans gear up for this exhilarating matchup, the questions abound: Can Gonzaga cement their legacy of excellence? Will San Francisco upset the status quo and claim their rightful place in WCC history? One thing is for sure; this clash of titans promises a night of thrilling college basketball.
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